Ocean City Announces Details for 2026 St. Patrick's Parade & Festival

Ocean City, MD - Ocean City will host the St. Patrick's Parade and Festival on Saturday, March 14, 2026. The event is sponsored by the Delmarva Irish American Club and is expected to draw large crowds to the resort town.

The parade has been held annually since 1980. It has grown to become the largest St. Patrick's parade in Maryland. The event marks the seasonal opening for many local businesses.

The Delmarva Irish American Club is a 501(c)(3) social organization. Over the years, the club has donated more than $650,000 from parade proceeds. The funds have supported scholarships for local high school students and various charities. Notable contributions include a $50,000 donation to the Macky and Pam Stansell House at Coastal Hospice.

The parade will begin at noon on Coastal Highway at 57th Street. It will proceed south to the 45th Street Shopping Center. Viewing bleachers and the judges' stand will be located at the shopping center.

Pipe and drum bands will perform Irish music along the parade route. High school marching bands and decorated floats from local businesses and organizations will also participate. Greg Shockley, owner of Shenanigans Irish Pub, will serve as grand marshal. Shockley has been a supporter of the club since its founding. Shenanigans has sponsored the parade for many years.

Trophies will be awarded in several categories. These include best marching band, best commercial float, best non-commercial float, best motorized unit, best adult marching unit, best youth marching unit, special committee award, judges' choice award, and best overall entry.

The 45th Street Shopping Center will host an Irish festival alongside the parade. The festival will feature live Irish music with performances by Pat O'Brennan, Barry D., and Brian K. Irish dancers, apparel vendors, basket raffles, souvenirs, and food and beer will be available. The festival is free to attend. It will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Spectators are advised to arrive before 10:30 a.m. to avoid traffic delays. Viewing is recommended from 57th Street south to 45th Street.

The Delmarva Irish American Club was founded in 1980 with 75 members. Membership has grown to nearly 300. The club is open to anyone who is Irish, of Irish descent, or interested in Irish culture.

There is no rain date scheduled for the parade or festival. Additional information is available at www.delmarvairish.org or by contacting Buck Mann at 410-289-6156.

Greg Shockley is an Ocean City native. He opened Shenanigans Irish Pub on Fourth Street in 1988. The establishment has been a gathering place for St. Patrick's Day celebrations for nearly 40 years.

Shockley serves on the boards of the Boardwalk Development Association, the Ocean City Development Corporation, the Maryland Tourism Board, and the TidalHealth system. He supports initiatives focused on youth development, economic growth, and community investment.

Shockley resides in Ocean City with his wife Susie, their sons Brody and Noah, and their dog Mila.